It is learnt that as part of safety and security measures which are required to be taken during the 37th edition of the National Games scheduled to be held in the state from October 26 to November 9, at 23 venues in 43 sports events, any fishing or water sports activities are banned within one nautical mile. As per a government notification fishing activities are banned from October 27 to November 8. This move will obviously have an adverse effect on the fishing community.
Many of these fishermen could be living a hand-to-mouth existence and depending solely on the fish they catch on each day. These fishermen will find it difficult to make both ends meet during the period of the ban. It is learnt that the fishermen have demanded for relocation of canoes and have also sought compensation for the income that will be lost due to restrictions on fishing activities during the event.
The fishermen have also requested a safe site to relocate their fishing canoes during the specific period. It is to be noted that whenever a national or an international event is held in the state it is usually the common citizen who is put into inconvenience. The government needs to look into the demands of the fishermen and address them positively.
